Alex James: Middle of nowhere: the best place to be
Rural Notebook
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Somehow there was never a cosier place to be at Christmas than the middle of nowhere and I once overheard our neighbourhood described as such by someone attempting to leave, talking loudly into a mobile phone. Already it seems very still and quiet here as if the whole place were just about to set like a jelly. Yes, it's definitely quieter than normal, although it's hard to say what's missing. Right across the valley, apart from the odd sheep coughing, birds are making the only sounds. It is grey and damp and beautiful, absolutely my favourite time of year.
All present and correct
Well, Christmas is a doddle for the cheesemaker, very easy to deal with. There are few people who are disappointed to receive cheese, present-wise. I once gave a whole gold medal-winning truckle that I'd pinched from the British Cheese Awards to an American lady, who thanked me very much but confided that "this stuff gives me mucus", although generally one sees faces light up as the goods change hands.
In old-fashioned Russia...
I used to have lots of friends. Now I have lots of children. One midnight raid on Toys R Us took care of most of the other presents and for everything else it's been Jingle bells, Jingle bells, Daylesford all the way. Although Claire just went and said there were people actually having fights over the last loaf of plaited spelt in there, like in old-fashioned Russia.
I feel safe with my Cheddar
I have an extra large wedge of Montgomery Cheddar (I bought enough to warrant it being delivered) and a cauldron full of well reduced freshly made chicken stock and I feel very safe, invincible: ready for all eventualities. I don't think we will need anything else. Soon I will light a fire and attempt to spend an entire week in front of it in my underpants. Impossible, but one can dream.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments